Strategic Hub Set to Boost Nigeria Logistics Network and Create Thousands of Jobs In Ogun State
Ogun State Government has officially commenced the construction of the Gateway Inland Dry Port in Itori, Ewekoro. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Friday, was presided over by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, with Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, in attendance. The event marked the beginning of what is anticipated to be a game-changing project for both Ogun State and Nigeria’s wider logistics sector.
During the ceremony, Oyetola highlighted the significance of the Inland Dry Port, which is poised to become a pivotal logistics hub for the efficient movement of goods across the country.
He emphasized that the project is not only crucial for improving Nigeria’s logistics network but will also alleviate the perennial congestion at major seaports such as Apapa and Tin Can Island in Lagos. “This project is about laying the foundation for a key logistics hub that would facilitate the movement of goods across Nigeria,” Oyetola stated.
The Gateway Inland Dry Port is expected to create over 5,000 direct jobs and 15,000 indirect jobs, providing a substantial boost to the local economy. As Oyetola noted, “It will attract investments that will spur regional development, benefiting Ogun and beyond.”
The port will serve as a critical alternative for transporting goods, offering a faster and more efficient option compared to coastal seaports. By easing the pressure on Lagos’ overburdened ports, the project is set to benefit not only Ogun State but also Nigeria’s national economy.
Oyetola further pointed out that the project is fully aligned with the current administration’s broader agenda of fostering innovation, industrialization, and economic growth across the country.
Inland dry ports, he explained, are crucial to achieving a more seamless flow of goods, reducing bottlenecks, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional trade. “It will attract investments that will spur regional development,” Oyetola added.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, also took the opportunity to stress the transformative impact the Gateway Inland Dry Port will have on the state. In his address, Abiodun remarked that the project represents a significant milestone in Ogun’s journey toward becoming a major logistics and industrial hub. “This will transform the state into a leading logistics and commercial center, both in Nigeria and across West Africa,” he noted.
The strategic location of the port in Kajola, Itori, was another key point raised by Governor Abiodun. He emphasized that the site was chosen for its proximity to major industrial areas, which will make the port a catalyst for industrial activity and manufacturing within the state.
By facilitating easier and more efficient transportation of goods, the port will not only serve Ogun State but also play a crucial role in the broader Nigerian economy. Abiodun added that the port’s establishment will significantly enhance Ogun’s ranking on the ease-of-doing-business index, positioning the state as a prime destination for local and international investors.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to industrialization and economic growth. He noted that the Gateway Inland Dry Port will be instrumental in creating jobs, attracting investment, and driving development across the region. “This will transform Ogun into a leading logistics and commercial center,” Abiodun reiterated.
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